3 reasons why every second is worth being a Business Management Program participant at adidas

What started as a random interest became a pivotal part of my life. At 29 years old, I’ve worked in eight different countries and studied in three different ones. Eager to experience new things, I embarked on different experiences that brought me from consulting in South-East Asia, to sales in Brazil, passing through Business Development in Nicaragua.

I needed to put all these different experiences together in a way that made sense. For that reason, I joined the MBA at ESADE Business School, which allowed me to put different learnings (or puzzle pieces) in a whole clear set-up. It was just made to happen; the Business Management Program (BMP) of the adidas Group came along. Diverse international experience put into practice in different departments and at different regional offices…

One can’t deny that the adidas Group is a truly global, multi-channel and total company. From Supply Chain to Sales, or from multi-brand clients to own stores, or from Herzogenaurach to Tokyo, adidas is all over the place. The Business Management Program aims to provide this global understanding of the adidas world. Thus I feel the adidas Group and the BMP are the perfect fit for me. Here are my top 3 reasons why every second is worth participating in this program.

During one of my many adventures abroad, always equipped with a travel guide.

In order to better understand my point of view it might be helpful to know a bit more about my personal BMP journey: it allowed me to discover in one year, first the own-retail world from a global perspective and six months later the multi-brand one from a local point of view. Furthermore, half a year later, I dived into Marketing, but for the Reebok brand this time, at its European offices in Amsterdam. How cool is that, uh?

That said, here are my top 3 reasons why every second is worth participating in the BMP

1. Understand multiple perspectives

Besides the travelling and induction into different parts of the adidas business, one very interesting part is to realize and understand the differences in points of view for the same business issues between the global eye and the local office one. It might be that in Herzogenaurach the direction should be A, while for the local perspective exactly the same issue should be approached from Z. The BMP gives you the ability to understand both the pros and the cons from both sides and hopefully, one day, to be able to take the optimal decision.

2. Learn to synchronize different needs

The same happens when engaging with two different revenue businesses or two different brands. Each one pushes its unit to the direction that better impacts its business. For instance, learning about Own Retail and then about Key Account Management and Franchise is totally priceless. Identifying potential synergies among them and reaching further efficiencies for the overall benefit of the company may sound difficult, but it’s definitely achievable. Also in this case, the BMP allows you to experience both revenue generators and not only this, but also from different brand perspectives (adidas, Reebok, Rockport, TaylorMade, Five Ten…).

3. Find out what’s best for you

What is next? Next is what best suit you, what gets the very best out of you and what makes you wake up every morning with a smile on your face. In a year from now, I believe I will be able to make that call thanks to what the program is all about: having a holistic understanding of the adidas Group´s worldwide business.

Thank you for your comment

Comments (11)

Some strategy are there behind the success of any company. No one share it with others. Adidas is now popular among people as one of the leading brand because of its quality and service. People only go for those products which are more stylish in look and also have good quality. The three points shared are helpful and valuable from business point of view. Thanks for sharing.

Frank Thomas (Moderator)

February 18, 2013 12:19

Hi David,

please excuse the delayed response. I just wrote you an email.
I checked with my HR colleagues and unfortunately all positions for 2013 are already filled. The next BMP application round for the program starting early 2014, will be in autumn this year. The jobs will be posted on our career site. We are looking forward receiving your application.
Best, Frank

David C. Turner

February 13, 2013 23:16

Hi adidas Group and Salvador! Thank you for the post. This program looks wonderful - an opportunity for four global, functional rotations is unmatched. I have had an eye on this since summer 2012 - how should we all think about applying. I have not seen a BMP job posting or link to an online application at the new website (http://www.careers.adidas-group.com/professionals.aspx). Thank you in advance for any assistance. Best, Dave Turner

Samantha Jacobs

February 9, 2013 16:49

I'd like to apply for the BMP program, does anyone know the link?
Thank you,
Samantha

Frank Thomas (Moderator)

December 18, 2012 18:37

Hi Aditya,
thank you for your interest in the BMP. Someone from HR will get in touch with you directly via email.

Best,
Frank

Aditya

December 17, 2012 18:54

Hi,
I am Aditya from India. I am very impressed with the BMP program and would like to apply for it.
Does Adidas still offer the BMP program? The website says next application deadline 'October 2011' which is outdated. Could you lead me to the proper channel?

Thanks a tonne!

Regards,
Aditya

David Isaacson

November 19, 2012 20:27

Hi Frank,
I have been eagerly watching the BMP application site as well, but have only found the same outdated link. Could you please have your HR colleagues send me the relevant information too? I am just curious as to when the next BMP application will open?
Thank you very much for your help.
Regards,
David Isaacson

Frank Thomas (Moderator)

November 19, 2012 13:28

Hi Gustavo,

glad to hear you like Salvador's personel insights into the program. I asked my colleagues from HR who are responible for the MBA program to come back to you directly in order to answer your question. So please stay tuned. We'll definitely investigate your remark regarding the link on the career site, too. Thank you very much.

Best,
Frank

Gustavo

November 19, 2012 10:25

Hello Salvador.
I’m a Brazilian MBA candidate I’m very interested to apply for the MBA Business Management program of Adidas.Thanks for sharing your experiences working at Adidas,it's very nice to hear the perspectives of someone from the inside of the BMP program.
I been trying for weeks to find the link on the careers portal, but it seems to be outdated.
Can you help me find the information or the updated link to apply for the program?
Thank you very much, looking forward for your response.

Salvador Mothe

September 21, 2012 13:58

Sure! Good luck David! International MBA profiles are very welcome at the BMP.
Cheers

David Isaacson

September 20, 2012 19:58

Hi Salvador - Thanks for writing this article, great insight! It seems that you've learned a tremendous amount and have had some awesome experiences in the BMP. I am applying to the program next month and I can't wait to add to my own global business experiences!